A MAN charged in relation to the fatal stabbing of a father of two last Sunday was on bail at the time of the killing, a court heard yesterday.

Richard Higgins (41) of New Houses, Lattin, Co Tipperary, was brought before a special sitting of Tipperary District Court after being charged with assaulting Sean Murphy (29), causing him serious harm.

Mr Murphy died at the scene of the alleged assault, outside his own home at 2 New Houses, Lattin, on Sunday night.

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Yesterday's court heard from the gardai that "more serious charges" were expected to be made against Mr Higgins.

The accused sat on his own in court and only spoke when asked directly by Judge Mary Martin if he was working.

"No, your honour," was his reply. When she asked him if he wanted legal aid, he said: "Please."

Opposing bail, Supt John Courtney said that the late Sean Murphy's family, who live beside Higgins, were "in fear of the accused".

Supt Courtney also said that Higgins had been granted bail in the District Court in relation to a "serious road traffic offence" just two days before the alleged incident occurred with Mr Murphy, and that he had been sent forward for trial to the Circuit Court.

Judge Martin refused bail and remanded Mr Higgins in custody to appear in Nenagh District Court on Friday.